Staten Island Ferry
Ride the iconic, free Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light on skyline
Staten Island Ferry
Best Time
Golden light on skyline
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the iconic, free Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
"The best free things to do in New York City: ride the Staten Island Ferry!"
🎯 Avoid Ticket Scams
The ferry is FREE! Don't buy tickets from people on the street.
🌅 Sunset & Sunrise Views
Ride at golden hour for incredible skyline and Statue of Liberty photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue of Liberty Close-Up
Onboard the ferry
Get an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the ferry glides by. A truly iconic sight!
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
Onboard the ferry
Witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Free Commute Experience
Whitehall Terminal to St. George Terminal
Experience a slice of local life on this iconic, free public transportation route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Ride
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Ticket Scams
The ferry is FREE! Don't buy tickets from people on the street. +1
🌅 Sunset & Sunrise Views
Ride at golden hour for incredible skyline and Statue of Liberty photos.
🍺 BYOB Friendly
You can bring your own alcoholic beverages to enjoy on the ride.
🚶♀️ Disembark & Re-board
You must get off at Staten Island but can immediately get back on for the return trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Ticket Scams
The ferry is FREE! Don't buy tickets from people on the street. +1
🌅 Sunset & Sunrise Views
Ride at golden hour for incredible skyline and Statue of Liberty photos.
🍺 BYOB Friendly
You can bring your own alcoholic beverages to enjoy on the ride.
🚶♀️ Disembark & Re-board
You must get off at Staten Island but can immediately get back on for the return trip.
🚗 Parking Options
Empire Outlets garage offers affordable all-day parking. +1
📸 Best Photo Spots
Stand at the back of the boat for unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Staten Island Ferry for its incredible value as a completely free way to see iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Many highlight the stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset, and appreciate the ability to bring their own drinks. Some note that you must disembark and re-board, and a few mention aggressive ticket sellers near the terminal.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Staten Island Ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. You can easily reach it via subway lines 1, R, or W to the South Ferry station, or the 4 or 5 lines to Bowling Green.
The ferry operates 24/7, with departures approximately every 15-30 minutes during peak hours and every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours and overnight. Check the official MTA schedule for precise timing.
The ferry ride itself takes about 25 minutes in each direction.
Yes, the ferry runs in both directions. You can depart from the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and travel back to Manhattan.
Yes, there is a large paid parking garage at Empire Outlets, which is connected to the ferry terminal. It's often more affordable than other Manhattan parking options. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free to ride! You do not need to purchase any tickets. +2
No, you can get a great view of the Statue of Liberty for free by riding the Staten Island Ferry. Avoid paying for expensive boat tours. +2
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the ferry ride.
Yes, all passengers must disembark the ferry at the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. You can then re-board the next ferry back to Manhattan.
No special tickets or passes are required. The Staten Island Ferry is a public transit service and is free for all passengers.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for skyline and Statue of Liberty photos. Night rides provide stunning views of the illuminated city. +1
The rear of the ferry, especially on the outdoor decks, offers unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty as you approach and depart.
Absolutely! The ferry provides excellent vantage points for capturing the entire Lower Manhattan skyline, including iconic buildings.
Yes, it's a fantastic and free option for photography enthusiasts looking to capture iconic NYC landmarks and cityscapes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline, while a telephoto lens can help get closer shots of the Statue of Liberty. A tripod might be useful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The ferry itself does not have extensive food options, but you can bring your own snacks and drinks.
In Staten Island, you can find pizza at Pier 76 or explore various shops and restaurants near the St. George Ferry Terminal. +1
While there are no onboard cafes, passengers are welcome to consume food and non-alcoholic beverages they bring with them.
The area around Whitehall Terminal has numerous dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Staten Island offers a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from Italian and Thai to casual American fare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as onboard options are limited. The 25-minute ride each way is manageable for most children. Make sure to disembark at Staten Island and re-board for the return trip. The Empire Outlets near the Manhattan terminal offer some shopping and dining if you need a break before or after the ferry ride.
💰 Budget Travelers
Avoid expensive harbor cruises and instead hop on this public ferry. You can even bring your own snacks and beverages, further saving money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles from the outdoor decks, particularly the rear of the boat, for unobstructed shots. Consider bringing a versatile lens that can handle both wide cityscapes and closer details of the Statue.
The ferry provides a unique and accessible platform for creating memorable photographic content of New York City. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Staten Island Ferry
Departures from Manhattan are frequent, typically every 15-30 minutes during peak times and less often overnight. The journey across the harbor takes approximately 25 minutes. While onboard, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
For those driving, parking is available at the Empire Outlets garage near the Whitehall Terminal, offering a convenient and relatively affordable option.
Capturing Iconic Views: Photography on the Ferry
The Manhattan skyline is equally impressive, especially when viewed from the ferry. For the most dramatic shots, aim for sunrise or sunset. The golden hour light bathes the city in a warm glow, creating breathtaking panoramas.
While the ferry is free, investing in a good camera and perhaps a wide-angle lens can enhance your photography.
Remember to be mindful of other passengers and the ferry's movement when composing your shots. The experience is not just about the destination, but the journey and the incredible visual memories you can capture along the way. Beyond the Ride: Exploring Staten Island
For those seeking local flavor, a short walk from the terminal can lead to unique bars and restaurants.
Even if you don't plan an extensive exploration, taking a moment to walk around the St. George area can offer a glimpse into a less-touristed part of New York City. The ferry provides a convenient way to experience both the iconic sights and a local perspective.
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